Nemanoi

The Nemanoi are an elegant and industrious species native to the temperate, forested planet of Nemani, located in the Milky Way Galaxy. Standing an impressive nine feet tall, the Nemanoi possess a striking physical presence. Their smooth, opalescent blue skin gleams softly in the light, and their large, dark eyes convey a sense of depth and intelligence.

Physical Characteristics and Aesthetic Love

The Nemanoi’s tall, willowy frames give them an ethereal grace, and their culture reflects this innate elegance. They have an intense appreciation for bright colors and anything that flows—fabric banners, flags, and awnings are integral to their architecture and everyday life. Clear materials, particularly glass, are cherished for their ability to reflect and refract light. Their art often takes the form of intricate creations housed within glass bulbs or boxes, with swirling, vibrant colors suspended in mesmerizing motion. This aesthetic sensibility makes Nemanoi craftsmanship highly sought after across the galaxy.

Cultural Values

The Nemanoi culture revolves around business and commerce, which they view not merely as transactions but as expressions of trust, honor, and creative ingenuity. Every family operates a business, which serves as both a livelihood and a legacy. Honesty and integrity are central to their societal fabric, and business dealings are seen as sacred acts conducted under the watchful eye of their god, Volti.

The celestial Watcher’s Eye Gate, a glowing nebula that dominates Nemani’s sky, plays a pivotal role in Nemanoi life. Business days begin and end with the Gate’s brilliant opening and closing, as to trade outside of Volti’s watchful gaze is considered dishonest and dishonorable. This practice reflects their deeply held belief that Volti oversees and blesses all honest dealings.

Art and Innovation

Nemanoi art reflects their love for light, motion, and transparency. They create swirling, multicolored pieces housed within clear enclosures, each artwork seemingly alive with movement. These creations are not only beautiful but also profound, often symbolizing the interconnectedness of all things—a philosophy rooted in their reverence for the Watcher’s Eye Gate.

Social Structure

Society is structured much like a vast interwoven business network, with each family contributing through their own trade or craft. Their planet is governed by a CEO who works in collaboration with a Board of Directors to ensure the prosperity and fairness of the entire population. This structure reflects their belief in balance, accountability, and collective responsibility.

Connection to the Watcher’s Eye Gate

The Watcher’s Eye Gate is central to Nemanoi spirituality and culture. They believe Volti resides within the Gate, watching over them from his Celestial Throne. The Gate’s opening and closing is not only a celestial event but also a spiritual one, guiding the rhythm of their daily lives. Its presence serves as both a comfort and a reminder of their moral and cultural obligations.

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

The Nemanoi's culture is intricately woven into the fabric of their history, a history that began long before the rise of their current society. At the heart of their cultural heritage is the myth of Volti, a celestial being believed to be the creator of Nemani and the Nemanoi. Over the centuries, this belief has shaped nearly every aspect of their society, from customs and etiquette to the roles of family and business.

Central to this heritage is the Watcher’s Eye Gate, an ancient relic that serves as a symbol of divine oversight. It is not merely a technological marvel—it is the Nemanoi’s spiritual anchor. The opening of the Gate at dawn signals the beginning of the business day, marking a sacred moment when transactions, from the simplest trade to complex corporate dealings, can begin for the day with the assurance that the Watcher is observing. The Gate’s closure, conversely, is a time of rest and reflection, during which no official agreements are made. To do so while the Gate is closed is to invite dishonor, as it implies one does not wish to be watched by god. This unique blend of faith and commerce forms the core of their daily lives.

Family plays a crucial role in the Nemanoi way of life, both socially and economically. The culture places great importance on passing down knowledge and skills from one generation to the next. Families are the heart of society, each one operating a business that is typically passed down from parent to child. In this sense, their culture is deeply rooted in the idea of legacy—not just wealth or property, but the transfer of wisdom, craftsmanship, and spiritual guidance. It is considered an honor to inherit and expand upon the work of one's ancestors, and it is a common practice for children to apprentice in their family’s trade from a young age, learning not only practical skills but also the deep philosophical and spiritual meanings behind their work. Family ties are valued very highly, and the Nemanoi view business dealings as sacred acts that bind them to their heritage and their god.

In their art and architecture, the influence of Volti (also known as The Watcher) and the Watcher's Eye Gate are ever-present. Buildings are often adorned with bright, flowing colors and spiral shapes that echo the patterns seen in the movement of the Gate. The intricate designs are not merely for decoration; they are spiritual expressions, representing the divine flow of energy from the Watcher to the people. Clear windows, transparent materials, and flowing drapes are a staple of Nemanoi design—symbolizing the idea of looking through the Gate into the mysteries of the universe. They value clarity and openness, not only in architecture but also in relationships and business.

The Nemanoi’s relationship with nature is another cornerstone of their cultural heritage. Having evolved alongside their lush, vibrant homeworld, their connection to the land runs deep. This manifests in their vegetarian cuisine, which is centered on the bounty of the land. Their reverence for nature is reflected in their sustainable practices and their belief that Nemani itself is a gift from the Watcher, to be honored through every choice they make.

Finally, the Nemanoi’s customs surrounding life stages are steeped in spirituality. Birth, adulthood, marriage, and death are all marked by rites that honor the Watcher. For instance, the transition into adulthood is celebrated with a grand ceremony, where the young are formally introduced to their family’s business and their role in society. Death, too, is a moment of solemn reverence, where the deceased are honored with a ritual that celebrates their contribution to the family and to the greater society, before being interred in sacred grounds that symbolize their return to the Watcher.

At its core, the cultural heritage of the Nemanoi is about balance—between family and business, the material and the spiritual, the individual and the collective. Through their faith in the Watcher and their dedication to their ancestors, the Nemanoi continue to live in harmony with the world around them, passing down their traditions to each new generation.

Shared customary codes and values

1. The Code of Integrity:
At the core of every Nemanoi interaction lies an unshakable belief in honesty, fueled by the ever-watchful gaze of their god, Volti. To deceive, cheat, or act without honor is not just a betrayal of others—it is seen as inviting divine misfortune. Contracts, whether for trade or family, are viewed as sacred covenants. Breaking them carries deep spiritual and social shame.

• Custom: Before sealing agreements, many Nemanoi offer prayers or symbolic gestures to Volti, signifying purity of intent.

2. The Legacy Mandate:
Family businesses are the cornerstone of Nemanoi culture. Each generation is expected to inherit, grow, and pass down their family's legacy, with success measured not in individual glory but in how well one honors the foundation laid by their ancestors. To leave this path—like Adric did—is seen as selfish and disruptive, though some see such choices as the spark of innovation that old systems sometimes need.

• Custom: Names of family founders are etched into the architecture of family buildings or tools of the trade, serving as daily reminders of responsibility.

3. Faith as Commerce:
Religion is inseparable from Nemanoi business. Volti’s presence in their daily lives assures fairness, deters corruption, and brings balance to negotiations. Faith serves as both a moral compass and a practical tool—no deal can survive without the belief that the divine oversees its fulfillment.

• Custom: The business day opens when the gate opens and no business deal or contract is negotiated or signed when the gate is closed.

4. The Importance of Public Reputation:
In Nemanoi society, reputation is everything. Success is not measured solely in profit but in the respect one earns from their peers. A family with a tarnished name may struggle for generations to restore their place. Acts of generosity, transparency, and skill elevate one's standing, while dishonor or greed is quickly punished by both social exile and divine retribution.

• Custom: Families often hold Legacy Feasts to honor ancestors whose hard work shaped the present, inviting their community to witness their continued dedication.

5. The Opening of the Watcher's Eye:
The Nemanoi business day begins when the Watcher’s Eye Gate opens. To conduct trade or sign agreements while the Gate remains closed is considered blasphemous, as it implies a desire to evade Volti’s watchful gaze. Deals made in such secrecy are seen as cursed and are immediately void in the eyes of the community.

• Custom: Merchants, shopkeepers, and families gather near temples or watch displays of the Gate's opening to mark the start of honest trade. Bells chime, and prayers are whispered to invite divine favor for the day’s work. Markets and offices remain shuttered until this sacred moment occurs.

Average technological level

1. Bioluminescent Gardens

• Purpose: Bioluminescence is central to Nemanoi life. Bioluminescent Gardens are a unique form of horticultural technology that uses genetically engineered plants and fungi to provide lighting in homes and businesses. The light produced is soft and comforting, and the plants are carefully tended to follow specific growth patterns that create stunning visual effects, symbolizing the interconnectedness of life and the divine.
• Functionality: The bioluminescent plants are linked to the Gate and can shift their glow based on the Watcher's cycles, meaning that the gardens serve not only an aesthetic function but also as a spiritual indicator. At night, the glow helps people feel connected to the divine presence, reinforcing the belief that Volti’s influence never truly fades.
• Unique Feature: The bioluminescence can be customized based on family preference and ritual significance. Certain colors of light signify specific times for business transactions, prayer, or celebration.

2. Family Commerce Holographic Archives (FCHA)

• Purpose: The Family Commerce Holographic Archives is a system that stores records of all family transactions, contracts, and legacies in the form of interactive holograms. Every family business is required to maintain this archive, and it is considered an essential tool for preserving family honor and business integrity.
• Functionality: The archive can store business dealings, contracts, trade records, and even family history, all of which are presented as holographic projections. These projections can be interacted with directly, allowing users to view specific transactions, details, and family histories, ensuring complete transparency in every deal.
• Unique Feature: The archive system is intuitive, recognizing each family member’s relationship to the business. It can adapt to highlight relevant information, such as a specific contract’s relevance to an upcoming transaction or the family’s ancestral achievements. The holograms also serve as a spiritual ledger, ensuring that no “dirty” deals or dishonest business practices can escape scrutiny.

4. Contract Sealers

• Purpose: Contract Sealers are a type of high-tech stamp used in business dealings to symbolically “seal” a contract or agreement. These devices use bio-organic technology combined with light-based interfaces, and each one is personalized to its owner or family.
• Functionality: When a contract is signed, a Contract Sealer is used to imprint a symbolic seal onto the agreement, visually indicating that it has been validated by both parties involved. This stamp isn’t just for decoration — it carries an encrypted spiritual signature that can only be read by those with proper authority, ensuring that every contract is not only legally binding but morally sacred.
• Unique Feature: The seal itself glows with a spiritual resonance that can be interpreted through the Watcher’s Eye Interface, providing an additional level of verification for contracts.

5. Spiritual Chamber Pods (SCP)

• Purpose: Spiritual Chamber Pods are personal sanctuaries used for reflection, prayer, and spiritual cleansing. These pods use advanced technologies that manipulate sensory input, creating a space where the user can commune with the Watcher and engage in introspective rituals.
• Functionality: The pods are equipped with systems that calm the mind, such as gentle lighting, ambient sounds, and vibrations that align with the divine cycles of the Gate. The chambers are often used by those in leadership roles (including family heads) to seek guidance before making major decisions.
• Unique Feature: The pod uses a cognitive interface that adapts the spiritual experience to the individual’s needs. If a person needs clarity, the pod will produce visions based on their personal emotions, while if they seek reconciliation, the pod might generate calming scenes of the Gate or memories of important family events.

6. Energy-Flow Sculptures

• Purpose: These sculptures are part of Nemanoi artistic culture but also serve a more practical purpose. Designed to manipulate ambient energy in a room or business setting, they serve to both aesthetically inspire and balance the flow of energy (spiritual, emotional, and even environmental).
• Functionality: Energy-flow sculptures use resonant material technologies, manipulating light and energy to create dynamic, ever-shifting patterns. These patterns can be adjusted to influence mood and enhance productivity in business or relaxation at home. Some Nemanoi families use these sculptures to aid in decision-making, believing that the shapes and flows can influence how family members perceive each other and their dealings.
• Unique Feature: The sculptures work in harmony with the bioluminescent gardens and Spiritual Chamber Pods, providing an ambient connection to the broader spiritual ecosystem. These sculptures are highly personalized, often handed down from generation to generation.

7. Nomadic Trade Drones (NTD)

• Purpose: These drones are used for local trade and small delivery missions, particularly for families conducting business that involves physical products. The drones can carry small cargo, scan for potential buyers or sellers, and even negotiate simple deals under pre-arranged contracts.
• Functionality: The drones are semi-autonomous, with a limited AI that can handle basic transactions based on previously agreed-upon terms. They are linked to the family’s Commerce Archives and can verify the authenticity of items or agreements, offering the person or family using them extra security when trading.
• Unique Feature: Each drone is also customizable, with color schemes and designs that reflect the family’s spiritual values or business nature. They are often adorned with symbols of trade, loyalty, and integrity.

Common Etiquette rules

1. Greetings and Farewells

• A formal Nemanoi greeting begins with the right hand outstretched palm angled slightly downward. The other person mirrors this motion and fingertips touch. They both push their hands forward till palms also touch while bowing the head briefly with eye contact held. The gesture is often paired with the phrase, "Volti sees," as an acknowledgment of divine presence.
• Farewells are typically sealed with the phrase, "May your name be strong," a wish for prosperity and good standing.

2. Conduct During Transactions

• All business negotiations begin with a short moment of silent prayer or acknowledgment toward the Watcher’s Eye Gate. This moment ensures all parties align their intent with Volti ’s will.

3. Meals and Hospitality

• Offering food to guests is a sacred obligation. Refusing a meal without clear reason can cause offense, as it suggests a rejection of trust.
• During meals, the head of the household always offers the first bite to Volti with a symbolic gesture (such as touching their food to a small family altar or saying a quiet word of thanks).
• Conversation at the table should avoid overt discussions of business until after the meal, unless the host explicitly invites it.

4. Disputes and Apologies

• When conflict arises, apologies must be given publicly to show sincerity. A simple phrase like "I have cast a shadow on my name" signals acknowledgment of fault.
• To mend a relationship, it is customary to offer a small token—something tied to one’s trade or family business—to symbolize a desire to rebuild trust.

5. The Watcher’s Eye Gate and Timekeeping

• Arriving late to a meeting after the Gate opens is seen as both rude and spiritually disrespectful, implying a lack of care for both Volti and the other party. Punctuality is a sign of both respect and reliability.
• No transactions or business discussions occur while the Gate is closed. Even casual conversations about trade can be seen as distasteful.

6. Personal Reputation and Public Behavior

• It is considered poor etiquette to speak boastfully of one’s successes; others must praise you. To brag is to "invite Volti’s disapproval," as humility is seen as a mark of true faith and trustworthiness.
• Public outbursts of anger or emotional excess are frowned upon, as they suggest a lack of self-control and damage one’s reputation.

Common Dress code

The Nemanoi view clothing as an expression of family pride, personal integrity, and respect for tradition. While their attire is functional, it is often vibrant and symbolic, woven with elements that honor both their legacy and faith.

1. Everyday Attire

• Brightly colored robes, tailored for comfort and movement, are the standard clothing for most Nemanoi. Each family tends to favor specific color palettes, often passed down through generations, creating a recognizable visual identity.
• Robes are typically adorned with subtle patterns or embroidery that reference the family business. For example, a family of blacksmiths might feature stitched flames, while traders may incorporate flowing lines resembling trade routes or currents.

2. Formal Wear

• For ceremonies, negotiations, and significant gatherings, Nemanoi robes are more structured and richly detailed, incorporating high-quality fabrics that symbolize the family’s success and standing.
• The family broach, always worn on the left shoulder, is the centerpiece of formal attire. These broaches are crafted to represent the family business—a tangible mark of their trade and lineage.

• To attend a formal event without one’s family broach is seen as a grave insult to both the family and the host, implying either shame or disconnection from one’s legacy.

3. Accessories and Signifiers

• Belts and sashes are often worn with robes, both for practical purposes and as indicators of social role or status. For example:
• A sash in deep blue may signify a negotiator or mediator.
• Golden threads woven into a belt may indicate senior family leadership.
• Footwear is practical and minimalistic, typically sturdy sandals or soft boots, as overt displays of wealth are seen as distasteful.
• Jewelry is understated and always holds meaning—wedding bands, religious tokens, or small heirlooms passed through generations. Excessive ornamentation is frowned upon as vain and prideful.

4. Religious Elements

• For sacred observances or significant negotiations under Volti’s watch, Nemanoi often add a shoulder drape or scarf of pale gold or white, colors associated with the divine. These are sometimes inscribed with short prayers or family mottos.

5. Social and Cultural Implications

• Wearing dull or faded colors suggests mourning, illness, or dishonor and is rarely seen outside private homes.
• Individuals who have undergone the Rivael (formal severing of familial ties) are forbidden to wear their family broach.
• A person seen wearing the broach of a family they do not belong to invites scandal, as it is a deep violation of trust and identity.

Art & Architecture

The Nemanoi’s art and architecture reflect a culture that values transparency, movement, and reverence for their beliefs. Much of their artistic inspiration stems from the Watcher’s Eye Gate and the sacred presence of Volti. Their structures embrace this inspiration in ways that honor both clarity and a sense of awe, creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.

Art
Artworks often center on the interplay of light, movement, and perception. Glass and crystal are prominent materials, used to create intricate windows, sculptures, and clear artifacts that shift light into prismatic displays. Volti’s ethereal imagery—spirals, glowing silhouettes, and celestial forms—dominate Nemanoi art. Flowing curtains of color, whether fabric or light projections, mimic the Gate's mesmerizing appearance and evoke its divine authority.

Sculptures tend to feature spirals or circular patterns, symbolizing continuity and the unbroken trust between god, business, and family. They favor kinetic pieces—rotating mobiles, suspended installations, or water features—imbued with a sense of movement, reflecting their dynamic approach to both faith and trade. Even static art appears as if it might flow or ripple under the right light.

Architecture

Nemanoi architecture is marked by elegance, curvature, and openness. Homes, businesses, and public buildings share a few key design features:

• Rounded Structures: Sharp edges are rarely seen; domed roofs, rounded archways, and circular towers dominate their cities, mirroring the celestial shape of the Watcher’s Eye Gate.
• Colorful Drapery: Interior and exterior spaces feature vibrant curtains that sway with the breeze or move on automated tracks. These are not just decorative; they represent openness, movement, and the ever-watching eye of their god. Each family often favors particular color schemes tied to their business or lineage.
• Large Windows and Transparency: Windows—many floor-to-ceiling—are a hallmark of Nemanoi architecture, symbolizing honesty, clarity, and the divine presence always watching. Spaces often incorporate glass walls, skylights, or translucent materials, filling buildings with natural light.
• Spiral and Flowing Forms: Staircases and hallways tend to wind in elegant spirals, avoiding harsh lines or abrupt transitions. These designs invoke the smooth flow of trade and the eternal vigilance of their faith.

Foods & Cuisine

The Nemanoi are predominantly vegetarian, a choice deeply intertwined with their respect for life and their belief in divine watchfulness. To take an animal’s life is seen as disrupting the natural balance that the Watcher’s Eye maintains, and for many, it is viewed as inviting misfortune or bad luck upon the family’s legacy. Plants, on the other hand, are regarded as a renewable bounty provided by their god to nourish the body and soul.

Philosophy of Eating

For the Nemanoi, food is not just sustenance—it is a ceremonial act, a reflection of the harmony they strive for in their business dealings and family traditions. Meals are often prepared communally, with family members contributing to the process, emphasizing cooperation and unity.

The presentation of food is as important as its taste. Dishes are carefully arranged to resemble natural patterns—flowing rivers, spiraling vines, or even hints of the celestial Gate itself. Bright colors dominate their cuisine, mirroring the vibrant hues of their clothing and architecture.

Staple Ingredients

Lumgrain: A golden-hued grain that grows in cascading terraces, resembling light caught in motion. Lumgrain forms the base of many dishes, often prepared as steamed cakes, flatbreads, or soft porridges.

Spindle Vines: Fast-growing, spiral-shaped plants that produce crisp, mildly sweet pods. The vines are versatile, eaten raw, roasted, or ground into sauces.

Glowfruit: Juicy fruits with a faint luminescence under starlight. These come in a variety of colors, with each hue believed to bring specific blessings—orange for prosperity, blue for wisdom, and red for resilience.

Cloudleaves: Large, soft leaves used for steaming food, crafting wraps, or infusing broths with an earthy, aromatic flavor.

Pulse Roots: A nutritious root vegetable with a pulsing pattern when sliced, symbolizing life and energy.

Signature Dishes

Gatekeeper's Bloom: A festive dish served during family milestones or business negotiations. Steamed lumgrain is formed into intricate spirals, surrounded by vibrant slices of glowfruit and topped with crushed spindle vine pods for texture.

Verdant Spiral Stew: A hearty stew of spindle vines, pulse roots, and cloudleaf broth, simmered slowly to enhance flavors. Often eaten at the end of the workday to signify gratitude.

Watcher’s Dawn Cake: A ceremonial breakfast cake made from lumgrain and sweetened glowfruit syrup. The cake is baked in the shape of a rising sun or spiraling gate, symbolizing renewal and trust as the gate opens.

Starpetal Wraps: Light, portable meals made by wrapping finely chopped pulse roots, roasted vine pods, and herbs in cloudleaves. These wraps are a popular choice for traders and travelers.

Dining Etiquette

• Meals are served on communal platters, and food is taken in small portions to ensure nothing is wasted. To leave food uneaten is considered an insult to the provider and a sign of poor planning.
• The first bite of every meal is accompanied by a silent acknowledgment of the Watcher, reflecting the belief that all nourishment is given under divine oversight.
• Family broaches are often worn even during casual meals at home to emphasize unity and honor shared legacies.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

The Rivael:

Rivael is a disinheriting ceremony that can be performed by a parent or business mentor in response to a grievous breach of trust or honor. The person invoking Rivael raises their right hand to the side of their face and says the words, I invoke Rivael. This is the last conversation that person will have with the individual who has been rejected. Once completed, the severed individuals are expected to cease all personal and professional dealings, and any future interactions are considered tainted.

The family broach, which signifies the individual's place in their family's legacy, is often removed after the ceremony, as a visual marker of the disconnection. This powerful gesture is understood by all who witness it as a sign that the person has undergone a deep transformation.

While Rivael can be a painful process for all involved, it is viewed as a necessary act for the long-term well-being of both individuals and families, allowing them to move forward without the burden of unresolvable conflict. It is a rare occurrence, as the Nemanoi value family unity and honor above all else. However, when Rivael is invoked, its effects are lasting and profound.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

Birth Rite: Welcoming the New Life

Birth is considered a moment of divine blessing. It is a time when the Watcher’s gaze is said to be strongest, offering protection and guidance to the newborn. The Rite of First Light takes place shortly after birth, when the infant is presented to the community and the family’s ancestors through a ceremonial unveiling at the family home. The event is held during dawn, when the light of the Watcher is believed to illuminate the newborn’s path.

During the ceremony, a family broach, which signifies the family’s business and legacy, is placed on the newborn’s left shoulder, symbolizing their future role in carrying on the family’s work and maintaining the sacred trust between the family and the Watcher. The broach is passed down through generations, and its placement on the newborn marks the beginning of their life's connection to both the family and the greater community.

The newborn is also swaddled in brightly colored cloth, which is a hallmark of Nemanoi tradition, symbolizing the vibrant connection to life and to Volti. These cloths are often dyed using natural elements from the family’s region, further tying the infant to their specific heritage and land.

The Blessing of the Watcher follows, where the baby’s name is whispered to the sky, believed to be received by the Watcher as a mark of destiny. This naming ceremony is a deeply emotional moment, as the chosen name often reflects a virtue or a trait hoped for the child, such as "Liora," meaning "light," or "Voreth," meaning "strength."

Coming of Age Rites

Coming of Age Rite: Transition into Adulthood

The Rite of Ascension marks the transition from childhood to adulthood in Nemanoi society. At this crucial point, the young individual is formally introduced to their family’s business and expected to begin contributing in meaningful ways. This rite is celebrated at the age of fifteen, when the child has spent years learning the skills and values necessary to carry on the family’s legacy.

The ceremony begins with a ritual under the Gate, a moment where the individual stands beneath the visible Gate in the sky, symbolizing their awareness of the divine influence in their life and their readiness to accept responsibility. During this time, the individual offers a silent prayer to the Watcher, seeking guidance and strength to fulfill their role in both their family and the wider community. This is often done at sunrise, when the light of the Gate is at its most intense, symbolizing the clarity and direction the young adult will carry forward.

The coming-of-age ceremony is accompanied by the Family Unification Feast, where the child shares their personal pledge to the family and the legacy they will uphold. The child is formally given their family broach to wear on their left shoulder for the first time, representing their new responsibilities. During this feast, they are presented with the Blessing of the Ancestors, a family heirloom or artifact that represents their lineage and the trust placed in them to continue the work of those who came before.

The newly initiated adult is then led through a circle of elders, who offer advice, wisdom, and blessings. This symbolic gesture connects the individual to the wisdom of past generations, while also reinforcing the importance of community and family in their ongoing journey.

Funerary and Memorial customs

The passing of a Nemanoi is marked by a deeply sacred ritual called the Rite of Return. Death is viewed not as an end but as a return to the Watcher, where the deceased’s essence is said to be absorbed into the divine light. The Funeral of Light is conducted within 24 hours of death, as it is believed that the soul must be guided swiftly to the Watcher’s realm.

The ceremony begins with the deceased being bathed in water infused with sacred oils and aromatic plants, symbolizing purification. Family and close friends gather in a ceremonial hall, decorated in the vibrant colors of life, where they share stories of the deceased’s life and contributions to the family and community. The family broach is removed from the deceased’s shoulder and passed down to the eldest living family member, symbolizing the continuation of the family legacy even in the absence of the loved one.

At sunset, the deceased is placed in a family crypt or sacred burial site, where the family’s ancestors are interred. The burial site is often located on a high, serene hill, symbolizing the soul’s ascent to the heavens. A final blessing is given by the eldest family member, calling on the Watcher to receive the deceased into their divine light. This is often followed by the lighting of a series of lanterns, each representing a family member’s love and remembrance of the deceased.

The Rite of Return also includes the burning of incense made from the deceased’s favorite plants, symbolizing the cleansing of any earthly attachments and preparing the soul for its return to the Watcher. During the ritual, the family collectively recites the Pledge of Legacy, a promise to continue honoring the deceased by maintaining the family’s name, values, and business.

Common Taboos

In Nemanoi society, one of the most deeply ingrained taboos is the taboo against dishonesty. To the Nemanoi, the very concept of intentional deception is foreign and incomprehensible. Honesty is so fundamental to their way of life that they can’t fathom the reasoning behind lying, even in situations where others might consider it necessary or acceptable. The cultural understanding of truth is rooted in their belief that dishonesty disrupts the harmony between individuals and their bond with their deity, the Watcher.

A lie, no matter how small, is seen as a disruption of trust, and thus, a grave offense. The Nemanoi approach truth with such sincerity that even telling a "white lie" — a harmless or gentle untruth meant to spare someone's feelings — causes them significant distress. If they try to lie, it is immediately apparent to those around them. Their voices shake, their words stumble, and the attempt becomes increasingly awkward. The result is often a hilarious spectacle, as the Nemanoi's inability to deceive others leads them to panic, their internal honesty warring with the need to fabricate something that isn't true.

For those who are raised in this environment of complete transparency, interacting with off-worlders presents a major challenge. The Nemanoi are inclined to take others at face value and expect the same openness they themselves adhere to. This lack of awareness about lying can lead to misunderstandings and exploitation, as they struggle to discern when someone is being dishonest.

For characters like Adric, this becomes a crucial learning point. As he ventures beyond his homeworld, he must quickly adapt to a reality where not everyone shares his values of unflinching honesty. His interactions with off-worlders often result in confusion, as he assumes everyone is being upfront with him. Christine, a close friend and fellow Electhor crew member, becomes a valuable mentor, teaching Adric to recognize the subtle signs of deception. She helps him understand how to read body language and other non-verbal cues that reveal when someone is lying, a skill that’s completely alien to his upbringing.

In Nemanoi culture, honesty is not just about interpersonal relationships; it’s intertwined with their religion and societal stability. To lie is to sever a sacred bond not only with others but with the divine. In this context, the taboo around lying is not merely a moral stance but a profound cultural and spiritual principle.

Common Myths and Legends

Volti Myth

Historical figures

1. Volti - The Divine Visitor

• Role: The most significant figure in Nemanoi history, Volti is regarded as a divine being who came from the sky, bringing wisdom and guidance. They are seen as the foundational figure of Nemanoi society, offering them both spiritual and practical knowledge.
• Legacy: Volti is a revered figure, with their teachings still shaping cultural norms, particularly around honesty, responsibility, and the importance of legacy. Their image is present in nearly every home and government building, and festivals celebrating Volti's arrival are a central part of the year.
• Symbolism: Volti is often associated with the Gate — their arrival marked the opening of the "Watcher’s Eye," a divine connection between the people and their god. Their figure is often depicted in art, surrounded by glowing light, symbolizing enlightenment and purity.

2. CEO Ated - The Architect of Modern Nemanoi Society

• Role: The CEO who governed the planet when Volti arrived, Ated’s leadership marked a pivotal time in the development of Nemanoi society. His role was crucial in bringing Volti's wisdom to the people and integrating the teachings into their daily lives.
• Legacy: Ated is seen as the Founder of the True Era, as he was the first to organize the society around the divine principles Volti imparted. Under his rule, Nemanoi society shifted from a more chaotic, less cohesive structure to a well-organized, morally guided people. Ated also oversaw the development of their business system, which is still in place today.
• Symbolism: Ated is depicted as a wise and steady figure, often with a book in one hand and a symbol of the family broach in the other. His role as both a political and moral leader gives him reverence similar to Volti’s, though he is seen more as a mortal who implemented Volti’s teachings.

3. The Oracle of Tish’ka - The Prophet of Balance

• Role: The Oracle was a mystical figure who, in the centuries following Volti's arrival, helped to guide Nemanoi spiritual life. Tish’ka was said to commune directly with the Watcher and offer visions that foretold important events, both for the family and the society at large.
• Legacy: Tish’ka’s prophecies are still studied today, with many of their teachings viewed as the foundation for the Laws of Family and Trade. They are considered a protector of balance between business, spirituality, and morality.
• Symbolism: The Oracle is depicted with two contrasting symbols, often a spiral (symbolizing unity and flow) and a triangle (representing stability). These two symbols are often used together to depict the balance the Oracle sought to maintain.

4. Chancellor Liraen - The Peacemaker

• Role: Chancellor Liraen was the first to broker peace during a time of intense civil unrest about 1,000 years ago, when a faction of the Nemanoi began questioning the legitimacy of Volti's teachings. She helped unify the different factions and ensure that Volti’s influence was retained, though with some adaptations to modern life.
• Legacy: Liraen is celebrated for ensuring the longevity of Volti’s faith and the continuation of their societal values, even as the world grew more complex. She solidified the Law of Family Trust, ensuring that the bond between families and the divine could never be severed, even if times changed.
• Symbolism: Liraen’s symbol is often an open hand holding a feather, representing peace, unity, and wisdom. Statues and portraits of Liraen are found in places of government and reconciliation, a reminder of how they brought order to a fracturing society.

5. Sovira the Navigator - The Explorer

• Role: Sovira was a key figure in the era of interplanetary exploration, over 500 years ago, helping the Nemanoi establish the first trade routes with other species beyond their solar system. Sovira’s expeditions are seen as a way to fulfill Volti’s teachings of expansion and understanding the wider universe.
• Legacy: Sovira’s name is revered in schools and academies around the world and she is even mentioned at times in the curriculum of the Galactic Space Academy. Her voyages brought back invaluable knowledge about the galaxies and, more importantly, provided the Nemanoi with the opportunity to expand their cultural horizons.
• Symbolism: Sovira is often depicted with a compass or starmap in hand, symbolizing guidance, curiosity, and the quest for knowledge. Her legacy is preserved in schools, ships, and space stations used for exploration.

6. Ylanir the Binder - The Master of Contracts

• Role: Ylanir is the first to formally codify the Law of Family Trade, a set of ethical standards that guide business and personal exchanges within Nemanoi society. Ylanir’s detailed documents and written codes are still in use today.
• Legacy: Ylanir’s work is foundational to the Nemanoi’s understanding of contracts, trade, and the spiritual responsibility tied to commerce. They are credited with creating the system that still governs everything from small family businesses to large interplanetary dealings.
• Symbolism: Ylanir is often shown holding a scroll or seal, representing their role in formalizing agreements. Their likeness can be found in government chambers and market places, where trade is conducted.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Bright colors and flowing or spiral patterns and any art that allows a look inside through a clear opening.

Gender Ideals

Basically humanoid in this way. Most are either male or female with a few exceptions.

Courtship Ideals

After the family business is passed to a child they are eligible to consider looking for a mate. They date similar to humans but everything is more intentional and calmer with the goal to create a happy family and a thriving business to pass along to their children.

Major organizations

Nemanoi Board of Directors
The Watcher Religion

Encompassed species

• Kivu
• Lumigrain

Related Locations

• Nemani